Sod Houses of the 1800s

Friday, December 9, 2011

Chapter Twenty-five

What are some ways that Sam changed from the beginning of the story to the end?  What do you think caused these changes.  I am looking for a thorough explanation of these ideas.

Chapter Twenty-five

Why do you think Pa never said another word to Sam about the letter he wrote to Grandpa asking to borrow money?

Chapter Twenty-four

Why do you think the Grants would not accept the money from the Whites?

Chapter Twenty-four

On page 159, in his letter to Sam, Grandpa said, "And much as I want you here, home with Grandma and me, we can't have your new life in a new land blighted because of a plague of locusts."

What do you think "blighted" means?  Why do you think that?

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Finishing the Book

Blog posts will be up for you in the morning.  Don't worry about it tonight.  :-)

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Tomorrow

You will have time to work on your responses during readers' workshop.

Chapter Twenty-two

Explain how you feel about the decision Pa made and why you think he made it.

Chapter Twenty-two

It seems as though Sam learned an important lesson about Harold during this part of the story.  What do you think that lesson was, and how might it affect Sam and the way he sees things?

Chapter Twenty-two

Do you agree with Billy that he and Sam should get to help decide whether they stay or go?  Be sure to explain why you feel the way you do, using supporting details from the text to back up what you say.

Chapter Twenty-one

What do you think of the boys' idea to write the letters they did?  What do you think the results will be?

Chapter Twenty-one

Why is Sam so convinced that Pa would be upset if he knew about the letter he wrote to Grandpa?  Be sure to explain yourself thoroughly.

Chapter Twenty-one

On page 138, Sam says, "Ma chided me for fidgeting at the table, but I couldn't sit still and ran outside to stand on top of the dugout."

What do you think it means to "chide" someone?


Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Chapter Twenty

Sam seems to have done a reversal in terms of his feelings about their new home.  Now, instead of bemoaning (click for definition) the way things are, he seems determined to make it a success.  How do you account for this change in Sam?  What is behind it?

This question adapted from Matt's idea.  Thank you, Matt.

Monday, December 5, 2011

Sunday, December 4, 2011

Chapter Nineteen

What do you think will be the effects of the grasshopper infestation? What might this mean for the two families? What can they do next? Please share your thoughts in detail.

Chapter Nineteen

Please describe in detail how you felt and what you thought as the clouds of grasshoppers descended from the sky.

Chapter Nineteen

On page, "The baby began to cry, a high, fretful sound." What do you think "fretful" means in this context? What makes you think that?

Chapter Eighteen

At the end of this chapter, Sam said, "I felt at home, for the first time." What factors do you think caused him to feel this way?

Chapter Eighteen

Why do you think Sam did not say anything to Allan (before the hawk came) about his dislike for trying to kill prairie dogs?

Saturday, December 3, 2011

Chapter Seventeen

Do you think the events of this chapter will change Sam's outlook about his new life? Please explain how and why .

Chapter Sixteen

In this chapter, Sam and Billy argue about the importance of war. Based on the things they said in their argument, whose side would you take? In responding, be sure to explain yourself clearly, using examples from the text to support your beliefs.

Chapter Fifteen

This question is from Tyler: The word "niche" is used twice in this chapter. Please explain what you think it means and why you think that.

Thanks, Tyler!